Saints RB Ingram suspended for PED violation

New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram has been suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2018 season due to violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs, the league announced Tuesday.

Ingram will be eligible to return to the Saints on Oct. 1, one day after a contest against the New York Giants.

Ingram is allowed to participate in offseason workouts and training camp as well as play in preseason games.

Ingram hasn’t been participating in New Orleans’ voluntary workouts as he reportedly seeks a new contract.

Ingram was slated to earn $4 million in base salary in 2018, and the suspension will cost him $1 million in pay.

The NFL Network floated the possibility of the Saints discussing a trade involving Ingram.

Ingram rushed for career highs of 1,124 yards and 12 touchdowns last season and added 58 catches for 416 yards while making the Pro Bowl for the second time in his career.

The 28-year-old also topped 1,000 rushing yards in 2016. His other Pro Bowl appearance was in 2014.

Second-year pro Alvin Kamara — the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year last season — figures to receive a larger workload during Ingram’s suspension.